142 couple enter into wedlock in Dharmasthala mass marriage

142 couple enter into wedlock in Dharmasthala mass marriage

Mangalore Today News Network

Dharmasthala, May 3, 2014 (DHNS): On the occasion of the annual mass marriage ceremony organised at Dharmasthala that entered into the 43rd year, as many as 142 couples entered into wedlock on Friday. The marriage was held at Godhuli muhurtham that is considered as auspicious for wedding.

Of the 142 couples, 11 pairs received attention for taking a brave step to get into inter-caste marriage. Of the married couples, 58 of them were daily wage labourers, 27 were in private jobs, 19 were drivers and 15 were into agriculture or other profession.

 

After taking a oath in Dharmasthala Manjunatha temple, all the couples were offered with ‘dhoti’ shawl, sari and ‘mangala sutra.’

Minister for Youth Service and Sports K Abhayachandra Jain who was the chief guest of the programme, advised the brides and grooms to lead a prosperous life and live a life of decency.  Former speaker B L Shankar commended the mass marriage ceremony and said that it would help to promote social equality and harmony. At a time when marriages have become an issue of prestige, simple marriage ceremonies will help to bring social reformation, he said.

Presiding over the programme, Dharmadhikari D Veerendra Heggade said that blindly following the Western culture has led to diminishing the sacredness of marriage as an institution. It is unfortunate that differences of opinion and problems are on the rise in marriages. Wedding is not for fun, but for a complete life, he said.

Heggade thanked Culcatta based Birla Foundation and various other donors for their financial support in the form of donation to the mass marriage programme held in Dharmasthala.